PMO Strategies

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsYou don’t prove your leadership by taking on everything yourself. You prove it by creating space, enabling others, and delivering results that last. In this episode, I’m calling out the hidden cost of wearing “busy” like a badge—and why so many high-performing leaders quietly hold themselves back by refusing to ask for help. We’ll talk about how the lone hero mindset sabotages your growth, what real executive-level leadership looks like, and how to shift from doing the work…to leading the work. If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ve got it,” when what you really need is a team beside you—this conversation is for you.   What You'll Learn:  Why doing it all yourself isn’t sustainable—or strategic How the lone hero mindset blocks your growth A real-world story of shared ownership that changed everything What top executives understand about asking for help How to build trust, increase clarity, and lead through others  👉 Press play to learn how to stop doing it all alone—and start leading like an executive. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book—it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free—grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingIf your projects are hitting deadlines but missing the point—this episode is for you.   Kevin Torf isn’t interested in checking boxes. After four decades leading large-scale IT and infrastructure projects across major health systems and Fortune 500s, he’s built a reputation on one thing: getting the job done—in full, at scale, and with measurable business value.   In this episode, Kevin breaks down the PROJECTS framework—a hybrid-Agile model designed to help PMOs lead complex initiatives with clear structure, empowered teams, and outcomes that actually matter.   You’ll hear how high-performing organizations juggle moving targets without burning out their people, how they define governance without creating gridlock, and how they stop chasing status and start delivering strategic traction.   Plans don’t drive value. Execution does—especially when it’s adaptive, team-driven, and outcome-focused.   What You'll Learn:  Why the triple constraint won’t earn executive trust  How to apply Kevin’s PROJECTS framework to real-world complexity  What true team empowerment looks like (hint: it’s not micromanagement)  How to set up decision structures that accelerate, not stall  What to measure when “on time and on budget” isn’t enough    👉 Press play to learn how having the right structure, teams, and rhythms moves strategy across the finish line.  Connect with Kevin: Follow Kevin on LinkedIn Access Getting the Job Done book Visit T2Group P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book—it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free—grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsResistance gets blamed on people. But in reality, it’s almost always the process. If your team stalls, misses deadlines, or avoids your intake forms, it's not because they don't care. It's because they’re stuck in a system full of blockers. The approvals, the checklists, the uncertainty, the silence. That’s the friction. And friction kills flow. In this episode, I’ll show you how to spot the systems that create resistance, how to reduce the barriers that get in your team's way, and what it really means to design for performance. What You’ll Learn: Why resistance is usually created by the process, not the people What quiet resistance actually looks like in high-performing teams How to remove blockers without sacrificing accountability The difference between flow and pressure Why "good enough" beats perfect when you’re building momentum 👉 Press play to find out what’s driving resistance and what to do when your system is the problem.  P.S. This is your last week to grab a personalized, signed copy of my bestselling book, The IMPACT Engine — and you’ll get the e-book version FREE so you can start reading instantly, plus a bunch of extra FREE goodies. Only 50 copies are available, and they’re going fast! Grab it here. P.P.S. If you’ve already bought any version of The IMPACT Engine book previously, don’t forget to sign up for our Book Club. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsThis episode is personal, and it’s tactical. For my birthday this year, I’m sharing the 10 lessons I wish someone had handed me when I was starting out. These are the truths I had to learn the hard way: through friction, burnout, and wasted time trying to prove my value instead of designing for it. If you've ever spent more time defending your role than doing your job, this one's for you. What You’ll Learn: Why “on time, on scope, on budget” is a trap How to lead without waiting for permission The real reason no one sees the value you’re adding What friction in your process is actually costing you How to build a system that speaks for itself 👉 Press play to hear the 10 lessons that will save you years of frustration and show you how to lead with clarity, credibility, and momentum. P.S. It’s my birthday week, and I’m celebrating with something special just for you. 🎉 The full reveal drops publicly on my birthday—Thursday, July 10th—but newsletter subscribers get early access on Wednesday, July 9th. This exclusive offer will be available 24 hours before the release date, and quantities are limited, so be sure to subscribe and watch your inbox closely! 🎁 P.P.S. If you’ve already bought any version of The IMPACT Engine book previously, don’t forget to sign up for our Book Club. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingIn this episode, Laura Barnard is joined by longtime friend and productivity powerhouse Elise Stevens to explore how AI is revolutionizing project delivery. Together, they break down the myths about AI taking over jobs and instead show how smart use of AI can elevate the role of delivery leaders. From email communication to risk management, Elise and Laura offer real-world, tactical advice on how to integrate AI to reduce admin burden and boost strategic IMPACT.  What You’ll Learn:  Why AI won’t replace delivery leaders but will elevate them instead How to use AI tactically to simplify daily project tasks  How to reduce admin work and create more space for strategic engagement Which AI tools and strategies can accelerate delivery while lowering stress Why the best starting point is low-stakes, high-frustration work 👉 Press play to explore how AI is revolutionizing project delivery.  Connect with Elise: Follow on LinkedIn Check out her website P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Confidence isn't just something you have; it's forged through action. Overcoming challenges boosts your competence, which naturally leads to confidence. Experiences like a botched keynote can ground you and reshape your approach to fear and risk. Engaging in practice, rather than waiting for the perfect moment, is essential for empowerment. Building skills through consistent effort and learning from feedback is key, ensuring that every small step you take builds the foundation for lasting confidence.

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsEveryone says PMOs manage projects. We say they build leaders. If you’re only focused on timelines and templates, you're missing your biggest opportunity: using real work to grow real leadership. In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Mahan, founder of PMOtraining.com, international speaker, and creator of the award-winning ProjectFlo® Process Learning System. Dawn coined the term Projectland® and is the bestselling author of Meet the Players in Projectland, a game-changing guide to aligning roles and driving project success. Together, we show exactly how your PMO can become a leadership engine by turning everyday project roles into development opportunities. This isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about seeing the work already in motion as a platform for growth. Whether you're leading a small team or managing a full portfolio, you’ll walk away with clear strategies to build talent while delivering results. What You'll Learn: Why every role in “Projectland” is a chance to lead How to spot and support hidden talent across your organization Creative ways to build leadership skills in fast-paced environments How to frame the PMO as a leadership development partner for executives Why rotational roles, peer learning, and project-based growth can outperform traditional training 👉 Press play to discover how your PMO can shape the leaders your organization needs most. Connect with Dawn: Follow Dawn on LinkedIn Visit PMOtraining.com Access Meet the Players in Projectland🎧 Companion Episode: Don't miss Episode 250 – How to Build a PMO That Drives Results for deeper insights on this topic. Receive a confidential sample of Meet the Players in Projectland:  Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People on Board P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenIt’s time to end the turf war between product and project teams — and start building a system where both can win. In this episode, I’m outlining the exact steps to design a shared operating model that aligns product vision with delivery excellence. No more choosing sides. No more reorgs without results. Just a clear, practical path to accelerated strategy delivery. Learn to identify the key differences that make each role valuable — and show you how to turn tension into momentum, mismatched cadences into flow, and disconnected outputs into measurable outcomes. If your organization is serious about driving strategy forward, this episode is your blueprint. What You'll Learn: Why role confusion is wrecking your delivery speed How to co-create a delivery system — not just a plan The mindset shift from activity tracking to outcome delivery Ways to synchronize cadences and unify communication Why product–project tension isn’t a problem — it’s rocket fuel How shared wins create lasting IMPACT across the business 👉 Press play to learn how to align product and project teams around one system, one voice, and one mission. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenIn this episode, I’m calling out one of the most misleading narratives in modern strategy delivery: the false choice between project-based and product-based delivery models. If your organization is stuck in a never-ending transformation loop — chasing Agile, shifting structures, debating delivery frameworks — this episode is your wake-up call. It’s not about projects vs. products. It’s about dysfunction vs. alignment. You’ll learn how the highest-performing organizations are breaking free from siloed thinking and aligning product managers, project managers, and delivery teams to drive outcomes, not just activity. If your teams are moving fast but going nowhere, it’s time to rethink your operating model — and I’ll show you how. What You'll Learn: Why the "project vs. product" debate is stalling progress How flawed operating models—not frameworks—are holding you back The critical role clarity executives keep overlooking How to align product vision with delivery excellence Why Agile alone won’t fix broken systems The model top-performing organizations use to accelerate results 👉 Press play to dismantle the false narrative and learn what really drives strategy delivery. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.  P.P.S. ONLY TWO SEATS LEFT!! Something Big is Coming to London! On June 13, I’m hosting a small-group, full-day workshop: IMPACT Engine Fundamentals. If you’re tired of being stuck in the task trap and ready to drive measurable business value, this is your chance. We’ll walk through the Strategy Lifecycle, explore the IMPACT Driver mindset, and give you the foundation to transform your PMO or delivery team into a strategic powerhouse. Reserve your seat now. Space running out, so don't wait! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsAre your projects stalling despite seemingly clear communication?In this episode, Laura Barnard reveals five deceptively simple questions that will transform your team’s clarity, accountability, and follow-through. These questions target the root causes of missed expectations and poor execution—often hidden in vague requests, assumptions, and unspoken blockers.Tune in to learn how to eliminate confusion, foster honest conversations, and accelerate momentum across your team. What You'll Learn: Why clarity in communication is often overestimated5 targeted questions to diagnose accountability breakdowns A framework to uncover hidden blockersWays to fast-track decision-making and eliminate delays 👉 Press play to start asking the questions that drive results. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.  P.P.S. I’m bringing the IMPACT Engine to London on June 13 for an exclusive, full-day workshop. If you're ready to move from tactical to truly strategic, this is your moment. There are only a few seats left — reserve yours here. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!Warmly,Laura BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS